This way, the database doesn't have to be up and running to unload data - what's more, DUDE is specifically designed to extract data when the database is down and/or corrupted.

It can be used for data that can not be retrieved any other way (even when you've lost your system tablespace). However, it should not be considered as a replacement for other Oracle utilities like sql*plus or exp/imp. It should be used as a last resort to recover your data, when everything else fails.

DUDE was also known as jDUL. jDUL refers to Oracle DUL (Data Unloader).

DUDE basically offers the same functionality as DUL in a multi-platform java environment.DUDE is a standalone java program - and therefore can be run on every platform supporting java (1.4.x or higher is recommended).

In most cases, loss of service can be fatal for a business - therefore, DUDE is also available as a product. This way, no valuable time is lost getting a consultant on-site, or uploading datafiles. This option can - for example - be used for databases that contain sensitive data (credit card numbers, medical patient files) that should never leave your server.